Meet the next generation of project performance tools

In 2016, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI) launched Arc Skoru Inc. to administer a new online platform for recording and comparing project performance in five categories:[1]

Energy

Water

Waste

Transportation

Human Experience

Today, Arc optimizes that performance in projects ranging from single buildings to entire cities. User-friendly dashboard interfaces collect and present project data from secure storage. The platform connects people worldwide and informs their decisions about the built environment.[2]

SCOPE AND POTENTIAL

More than a website, Arc provides an online platform for the next generation of green building. The data available through it enables benchmarking from global perspectives, simplifying collaboration and enhancing resource efficiency in building projects.
As discussed at Greenbuild 2018[3] last November, Arc has documented the sustainability performance of 1.8 billion square feet. It currently tracks projects at more than 4,000 buildings in no fewer than 30 cities and communities. As a result of those efforts, nearly 19 million people can enjoy better building performance.

ARC AND GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS

The Arc platform incorporates the guidelines of USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) along with other green building rating systems.[5] It also integrates with other essential industry tools, including the Energy Star Portfolio Manager.

As users measure and assess building performance, they learn which improvements bring greatest value. They can then make incremental improvements, putting their project on track for a green building certification.[6]

Arc brings value to a project regardless of any certification being planned. When used to benchmark and track progress, the platforms offers perspective to help leadership improve project performance or — in a future initiative — to achieve certification.[7]

THE ESSENTIAL METRICS

Arc provides performance scores that can total as much as 100. Scores are based on building energy sources and use, water usage, waste audit results, and indoor air quality readings. Occupant commuting habits and survey results are also components of the score. Project ratings can be evaluated locally or compared to global benchmarks.[8]

GETTING STARTED

Any project can claim the benefits of Arc.

Is your project registered in LEED Online? If so, you already have access. LEED registration fees include the Arc platform. Projects and teams may use it to track energy and water data required for their LEED submission.[9]

Administrators of projects that are not registered can log in, pay a fee to access the Arc platform and then enter your project’s information. The data can later be used in gaining that project’s LEED certification. A no-cost option is available for the purpose of tracking incremental improvements.

At ecoPreserve, all registered LEED projects are in Arc. We have found LEEDv4.1 (Arc) to be exceptionally efficient, aimed at achieving the greatest environmental impact. Let us know how we may assist with analysis, configuration, and benchmarking to ensure that your building or community project receives full benefit of the Arc platform.

LEED AP, Sustainable Facility Professional, Envision Sustainability Professional - - Alexa has more than 25 years of experience in sustainable and Smart Cities development. Her strategic planning work has served local, state, and federal government, higher education, and private industry. Alexa founded ecoPreserve in 2009 as a team of 3 and has grown the company to over a dozen of the brightest sustainability and project management professionals in the industry.